Alex Formenton found not guilty in Hockey Canada Sexual case but still banned by NHL as he signs with HC Ambrì-Piotta

Alex Formenton is back in professional hockey. The 25-year-old forward, who once played for the Ottawa Senators, has signed a deal with Swiss club HC Ambri-Piotta. The contract runs for three and a half months, ending in December 2025, with an option to extend.

Ambri-Piotta made the news public on September 6, 2025, posting a highlight video of Formenton’s goals on X. The team welcomed him with the caption, “Welcome back home, Formi.”Formenton’s return comes weeks after a major court decision. On July 10, 2025, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled him not guilty in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case. The judge said the Crown failed to prove the charges.

However, the NHL has not cleared him to return to the League yet. In a late July statement, the NHL said the allegations were “very disturbing” and that all players linked to the case remain ineligible to play in the League while reviews continue.

Alex Formenton rejoins HC Ambri-Piotta after court verdict

This is not Alex Formenton’s first time with HC Ambri-Piotta. He played for the Swiss team during the 2023-24 season, scoring ten goals and six assists in 24 games. In January 2024, he left the club to focus on his defense and even worked as a construction worker during that time.

Between 2022 and 2024, he had 29 points in 46 games for Ambri before stepping away.

Now, after his acquittal, the Swiss side has offered him another chance. Fans quickly noticed the timing. The short-term deal lasts until mid-December, which raises questions about whether the December 1st restricted free agent deadline still applies to him if he aims to return to the NHL later this season.One fan wrote on X, “He’ll be back in Ottawa by the end of the year.”

Another added, “Welcome back, keep your head up and see you soon in the NHL.” Others were more cautious, pointing out that the League ban still stands.

NHL responds after Alex Formenton’s acquittal

While the court cleared Alex Formenton, the NHL has taken a harder line. In their July 2025 statement, League officials stressed:“The allegations made in this case, even if not determined to have been criminal, were very disturbing, and the behavior at issue was unacceptable.

We will be reviewing and considering the judge’s findings.”Also Read: Wife Of NHL Star Connor McDavid, Lauren Kyle, Highlights Bar Trove In Instagram StoryThis means that even though Formenton can play in Switzerland, he cannot step on NHL ice for now. His return to Ambri-Piotta gives him playing time and visibility, but his NHL future remains uncertain.Alex Formenton has played 109 NHL games with the Ottawa Senators in the past. His comeback with Ambri-Piotta marks the first step toward rebuilding his hockey career.